General Anaesthetic / Sedation Feeding Instructions – Adult Patients Morning and Afternoon Surgery

Please note, this page is printable by selecting the normal print options on your computer.

You are going to have a procedure which requires you to undergo either a General Anaesthetic or Sedation. It is important you follow the instructions in this leaflet or it will not be possible to carry out your treatment and your operation will be cancelled.

If you are unsure of what time of day you are having your surgery please contact the admissions office.

Surgery in the evening:
• If you are having surgery in the evening you will be requested to attend the hospital at 2pm
• You must have no food or drink after 11am (except for water).
• At 12.30 midday please have a glass of water; please ensure you finish your glass of water by 1pm.
• You must not suck any sweets or chew gum.
• Please bring in any medication with you in the original containers.

Surgery in the morning
• If you are having surgery in the morning you will be requested to attend the hospital at 07.15
• Food and any other drink (tea, coffee, milk, juice etc) can be taken until 02.30am.
• You may drink water only from 02.30am.
• At 06.00am please have a glass of water; please ensure you finish your glass of water by 06.30am.
• You must not suck any sweets or chew gum.
• If you have diabetes; If you usually take tablets or insulin for diabetes please do not take your morning dose.
• Please bring in any medication with you in the original containers.
• If you take any medication, the Pre-Assessment Nurse will advise you of the medication that should be taken at home on the morning, of the day of your admission and operation.

Surgery in the afternoon
• If you are having surgery in the afternoon you will be requested to attend the hospital at 11.45
• You will be able to have a light, early breakfast before 7.30am at home on the day of your admission and operation.
For example:-
 two slices of toast or
 a bowl of cereal
 along with a cup of tea or coffee or juice
• Please make sure that once you have had your breakfast you do not eat anything afterwards.
• You may drink water only from 07.30am.
• At 11.00am please have a glass of water; please ensure you finish your glass of water by 11.30am.
• You must not suck any sweets or chew gum.
• Please bring in any medication with you in the original containers

General Information to remember
• If you are under 16 years of age, you must be accompanied by an adult.
• You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home by car or taxi.
• An anaesthetic or sedation can affect you for up to 24 hours following your treatment. It is therefore very important to have a responsible adult with you during this time.
• Medical students who are training to be doctors are part of the hospital team. With your permission and under supervision at all times they may obtain a history and/or examine you.
• When you are ready to go home the Nursing staff will give you a letter (a copy will also be sent to your GP), and will arrange for any follow-up appointments / treatments that are necessary.

You may be booked onto an all day theatre list, which means you will arrive in the morning and may not go to theatre until the afternoon. Your anaesthetist will inform the nursing team if you are able to have a drink on the ward due to the timing of your operation.

Useful telephone numbers:-
01908 997004 – General Surgery, Colorectal, Breast, Urology Hub
01908 997005 – Gynaecology Hub
01908 997006 – Trauma & Orthopaedic Hub
01908 997001 – Head &Neck, oral surgery, Ophthalmology, Ear Nose & Throat Hub
Day Surgery Unit 01908 995468
Same Day Admission 01908996433
Ward 21 01908 996448
Ward 23 01908 995473
Ward 24 01908 996991
Treatment Centre Reception 01908 995452